CM says working on reducing electricity tariffs for commercial, industrial users next year
BINTULU: Commercial and industrial customers in Sarawak can expect to enjoy reductions in electricity tariffs next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said he was currently doing the arithmetic on the rate, and the reduction might be effective either in May, June or November.
The state government had earlier announced reduction in electricity tariffs for domestic use.
“The cost of living has increased, but the electricity tariffs will be reduced,” he said at the opening of Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) triennial delegates assembly yesterday.
The assembly was opened by Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the deputy prime minister.
Last month, Adenan announced in the State Legislative Assembly that domestic customers in the state would enjoy reductions in electricity tariffs ranging from two per cent to over 40 per cent from Jan 1 next year.
He said the tariff revision was designed to provide assistance to low-income customers.
Under the revision, almost 60,000 customers will join the 70,000 who are already eligible for the federal government’s RM20 subsidy.
Customers not eligible for the subsidy, who consume up to 150 units a month, will have their bills reduced by more than 40 per cent while those consuming between 150 and 200 units will enjoy a reduction of 30 per cent.
The reduction will be just under 20 per cent for those with a monthly consumption of 200 to 300 units and 10 per cent for 300 to 400 units. Customers with the largest monthly consumption of over 400 units will get a reduction of two to four per cent.
With the commissioning of Bakun hydro electric dam, the cost of producing electricity would be reduced, he said, adding that this would enable the state government to reduce tariffs not just for domestic but also for commercial and industrial consumers.
On Murum hydro dam, he said its first turbine had been installed.
“Upon the commissioning of the Murum dam, I want the local people also to benefit from the dam and not only the foreign companies,” he said.